Press Statement of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Human Rights Situation in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) has observed
with deep concern the deterioration of the human rights situation in the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, particularly the recent unrest and
violence in the Oromia Region.

The
Commission is aware that on 9 October 2016, the Government of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia declared a six-month state of emergency. This
state of emergency reportedly aims to"put an end to the damage that is being carried out against
infrastructure projects, education institutions, health centers, administration
and justice buildings,”

The
Commission has also received reports that over fifty-five (55) people were killed and several
injured in a stampede during a protest that erupted at a religious festival in
Bishoftu, Oromia Region, on 2 October 2016.It is reported that police fired tear gas at the crowd and fired bullets
into the air, triggering the stampede that led to the deaths.

The Commission is disturbed by the wave of violence in
the Oromia Region that broke out following the stampede. Reports indicate that
protestors have been attacking vehicles going in and out of the capital city even
killing passengers; burning factories, hospitals and schools; destroying
infrastructure; and looting.

The
Commission is also concerned by information that the Government had once again blocked
internet throughout the country in response to the protests.

Reports
allege that since the first protests in November 2015, hundreds of protestors
have been killed, and many more have been beaten, arbitrarily arrested and
detained.

In light
of the above, the Commission calls on the Government of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia to:

·take all necessary measures to
ensure that peoples’ fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life,
are upheld during the state of emergency period;

·carry out impartial, prompt
and effective investigations into the circumstances that lead to the stampede
which caused the deaths of over 55 people, and bring perpetrators to justice;

·take the necessary measures to
ensure the security and safety of its population;

·unblock internet in the
country and refrain from imposing a blanket ban on protests; and

·allow the Commission to carry
out prompt investigations into the allegations of killings, beatings, arbitrary
arrests and detention.

The
Commission also calls on non-state actors, particularly leaders and members of
opposition parties, other stakeholders and the general population to refrain
from incitement and all acts of violence.

The
Commission calls on all parties to comply with the rights and duties enshrined
in the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights.